Premier Medical Group of the Hudson Valley Recognizes Urologist Dr. Daniel Katz
Head of Women’s Center Offers Expertise for Stigmatized Health Conditions
What is urinary incontinence? What are female pelvic floor disorders? Who do they affect? Where does one look for treatment? While the answers are quite simple, these questions, unfortunately, are rarely asked due to the stigma associated with these conditions. While relatively common amongst most women, urogynecological disorders can be difficult for a woman to discuss, even with her physician.
Premier Medical Group’s Dr. Daniel Katz is the only urologist in the Mid-Hudson Valley to receive the subspecialty certification in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPM-RS) from the American Board of Urology. Joining the practice in 1996, Dr. Katz has an extensive background in urology, particularly in pelvic floor reconstruction and incontinence. While a veteran in the field, the certification process is no easy feat. The potential candidate must actively practice FPM-RS, submit an electronic log of all surgical cases during a 12-month period, and pass a rigorous 4-hour exam. Dr. Katz received his official certification in August 2014, and is the only urologist in the Mid- Hudson Valley to obtain it.
Dr. Katz also heads the Premier Women’s Center for Continence & Sexual Health, located at the Atrium at MidHudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie. The center opened in August 2013 with a multidisciplinary team solely dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of urogynecological health issues, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, lower urinary tracts conditions, and female sexual dysfunction.
“Nearly 30 percent of American women will suffer from urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse at some point in their lives,” says Dr. Katz. “And as many as 44 percent of women will experience some form of sexual health dysfunction, including decreased desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm satisfaction, and painful intercourse.” Pelvic floor conditions are more common than diabetes, hypertension, and even depression.
While the need for treatment is clear, both Dr. Katz and other key urologists of Premier recognized the need for a center that could provide comfort and personal understanding for women to confidently and discreetly access treatment options. “When I came to the community as a general urologist 18 years ago, I noticed that no one was treating the full range of women’s pelvic floor and continence issues in a systematic, comprehensive and discreet fashion. I realized that if you did treat these concerns, and treated them successfully in a comfortable environment, you could have a significant impact on someone’s life. These may not be life or death situations, but the changes possible are dramatic and more than a few patients have told us we have “given them back their life.” That is a very rewarding statement for a doctor to hear. It makes us very proud to offer our community this level of care.”
Prior to joining Premier Medical Group, Dr. Daniel Katz attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and completed his surgical urological training at Beth Israel Medical Center. He is also involved with the Vassar Haiti Project as a member of the Medical Advisory Board, where he volunteers his time to improve the access to medicine in the village of Chermaitre. Dr. Katz will be travelling to Chermaitre this October on a mission with the Vassar Haiti Project.
If you or someone you know suffers from incontinence, female sexual disorder or pelvic floor prolapse, please contact Premier Women’s Center for Continence & Sexual Health to schedule an appointment today. Call 845-437-5000 or visit www.premierwomenscenter.com for more information.